California Travel-Related Spend & Visitation Forecast

Semiannual forecast of visitation and traveler spending in California with a five-year outlook for the state.

Note: This forecast was updated on January 16, 2020 and doesn't include expected impact of Coronavirus. The most up-to-date information is available on the coronavirus resource page.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS

Economic growth slowed around the world, limiting the potential for international travel to the US in 2019. Last year saw a softer pace in arrivals from both domestic and overseas markets, alongside a notable decline from Mexico. Spending and visitation in European markets remained flat. A strong job market encouraging consumer spending in the US will continue to support travel demand domestically.

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International visitors to California spent more than $28.1 billion in 2019, a -0.6% decrease from 2018. Visitors from Mexico (including land and air) spent $4.2 billion in California, making Mexico California's top international market in terms of spending, followed by the China ($4.02 billion) and Canada ($3.2 billion)

Note: The data shown above does not include expected impacts from Coronavirus.

Tourism Economics

In 2019 California welcomed more than 17.9 million international visitors, a -1.2% decrease from 2018. California's top international market in terms of visitation was Mexico with 7.7 million total visitors (including land and air). Markets with next highest levels of visitation were Canada (1.7 million visitors) and China (1.5 million visitors).

Note: The data shown above does not include expected impacts from Coronavirus.